Zeiss, Hakuto Invest in Molecular Imprints

AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 3 -- Molecular Imprints Inc. (MII), a manufacturer of nanolithography systems and step and flash imprint lithography technology, has made investment and collaboration agreements with Carl Zeiss SMT AG, a Germany-based supplier to the semiconductor industry, and Hakuto Co. Ltd, a Tokyo distributor and manufacturer of electronic components, manufacturing machinery, optical products and industrial chemicals.

Zeiss and Hakuto have agreed to make equity investments in MII and have obtained exclusive rights to distribute its Imprio imprint lithography equipment in Europe and Japan. The Zeiss and Hakuto investments are part of MII's series B $30 million funding round.

Norman Schumaker, president and CEO of MII, said, "Zeiss and Hakuto's success and strength in the semiconductor industry and their focus on nanotechnology make them ideal strategic partners. Their investments will enable Molecular Imprints to expand operations to satisfy growing customer demand, especially in Europe and Japan."

MII also announced that its imprint technology has been placed in the 2003 Edition of the International Roadmap for Semiconductors, which promotes advancements in the performance of integrated circuits.

For more information, visit: www.molecularimprints.com